Reiki for Stress Management: How It Works & Benefits (2026)
Reiki is an energy healing technique that guides the flow of healthy energy through the body to reduce stress and promote healing. Continue to read more.
Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Arvind Lokare, Dr. Krishnan Narayana Pisharody, Dr. Rudresh
Integrative Physician · Spine & Pain
Reiki for Stress Management: How It Works & Benefits (2026)
- Harmony
- 5 Mins
- February 23, 2023
- Pamela Miles
- Energy Healing, MindBody, Mindfulness
Reiki, a complementary or alternative healthcare approach, is a Japanese energy healing technique that is used as a way to manage symptoms of a disease or illness and improve general well-being. The practitioner is believed to be able to successfully stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
In 1914, Matiji Kawakami, a Japanese therapist, is believed to have created a healing technique called Reiki Ryoho. In 1922, Mikao Usui Sensei, a successful businessman and journalist among his other professions, came up with his technique which he discovered while practicing healing using Reiki energy. He named his technique Usui Reiki Ryoho. After the disastrous circumstances that developed during World War II, Reiki Ryoho fell into disuse and remained unknown, while Usui Reiki continued to be practiced and gained popularity. Several grandmasters of Reiki have passed on his traditions and methods to their students during the initiation process. Today, Reiki is practiced in many forms, however, the most widely practiced form is the Usui System of Natural Healing.
The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word “Rei” which means “Universal Life” and “Ki” which means “Energy”. It is an art of subtle and effective spiritual healing using guided life force energy. Reiki practitioners work on the principle that everyone can connect with their healing energy and use it to strengthen themselves and help others. When the “ki” or energy is strong and free-flowing, the person’s body is in a positive state of health, whereas, when the energy becomes weak or blocked, it could lead to physical or emotional imbalance.
